Bayou Rhapsody – Hearts of Marshall’s Bayou Book 2

Mae knew that she should leave before she caused any more pain…

Marshall’s Bayou is a place where time has stood still. Life is lived at a slower place, giving Reverend Daniel Griffin a sabbatical to consider his life’s purpose. He had been sent to the small Methodist church in Marshall’s Bayou to escape an indiscretion caused by the unwanted attentions of a young woman. Reverend Griffin was the type of man that hopeful mothers introduced their daughters to by inviting him home for a home-cooked meal. Lately he had begun to question his career in the church. He wanted to believe that his life had meaning.

Daniel met Mahalia Strickland, Mae, on his journey to the Bayou. Despite all of his convictions to avoid another scandal, he cannot stop his thoughts from returning to Mae. She had an inner quality not present in any other woman that he had met, and he was unable to deny his attraction to her. He was secretly afraid that his masculine lusts meant that he had no future in the church.

When Mae had first seen the handsome man on the boat, she had thought that he was used to hard physical labor. His physique and features were striking. When she was later introduced to him as their new minister, Mae could not help her small show of dismay. Mae considered herself a modern woman. Her hair was fashionably short; she had traveled and worked, and believed in women’s rights. Many of the church women considered Mae to have poor morals because she enjoyed dancing and associating with men at a local bar. She thought that if she were seen with Daniel he would be forced to leave the church. Whilst comfortable with whom she was, Mae did not want her actions to reflect on the man that she had admired.

Sarah Storme’s glimpse at life in a backwater town in the 20’s is charming, yet provides a clear picture of how far women have progressed and how many standards have changed. Attitudes, not necessarily the whole truth, could make or break a reputation. In hard times a strong community spirit could pull people through a disaster. As tragedy hits the Bayou, readers will become immersed in the drama, empathizing with the characters and the aftermath. Mae is such a strong character, her love is deep but she is willing to sacrifice it because she knows it will only bring Daniel pain. During the course of the story, Mae matures in many ways and learns how much she should appreciate the life and the gift of her own extended family. Sarah Storme very capably recreates a small country town society of the 20’s. This romance is realistic, and the lovemaking is believable and well thought out. The authors’ first novel in the Hearts of Marshall’s Bayou series, Just Kiss Me is linked and also recommended. Each book is complete but enhanced by reading the series. Bayou Rhapsody is a thought-provoking romance and one that this reader will remember fondly. It is a definite keeper.

Reviewed by: Naomi